Photo-setting device

ABSTRACT

A photo-setting device includes a revolvable disc having symbols, such as letters, numbers, and the like, affixed thereto, and having opaque coated indicia thereon in a transparent background along the periphery corresponding to and adjacent each symbol. A photographic lens is positioned adjacent one surface of the disc and an instantaneous flashing strobe unit is positioned adjacent the other surface of the disc to permit a film to receive a photographic image of a symbol from the lens. A photoelectric cell sensor mechanism is provided and cooperates with the keyboard for rapidly selectively causing the strobe unit to be energized for selectively photographing symbols.

United States Patent Inventor Harvey D. Smalley Pei-ham, Minn. 56573 Appl. No. 827,803 Filed May 26, 1969 Patented Dec. 7, 1971 PHOTO-SETTING DEVICE 2 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs. US. Cl .L 95/4.5, 355/40 Int. Cl ..B4lb 13/00, B4lb 15/00, B4lb l7/00 Field of Search 95/4, 5; 355/40 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/1965 Carmack et al 95/4.5

3,339,470 9/1967 OBrienetal 95/4.5

; Primary ExaminerSamuel S. Matthews ;Assisran1 Examiner-Richard A. Wintercorn Attorney-Williamson, Palmatier & Bains ABSTRACT: A photo-setting device includes a revolvable disc having symbols, such as letters, numbers. and the like. affixed thereto, and having opaque coated indicia thereon in a PATENTEUDEC 7197! 31525123 sum 2 OF 2 INVlz'N'IUR.

Ame 5v 8444445 JITOFA ZVS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION especially adapted for use in the printing and graphic arts industry.

More specifically, photo-setting device letters, numbers and an object of this invention is to provide a which includes a revolvable disc having BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a diagrammatic perspective view of the photosetting device,

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the circuitry involved, and

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a revolvable disc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIG. 1, it

support an indicia bearing member 12 which is formed of photographic film material and which has a plurality of circumferentially arranged symbols 13 adjacent but spaced inwardly from the outer circumferential edge thereof.

In this regard, it will ranged in two groups of 44 symbols. Each group of symbols extends through an arc of approximately 180.

The indicia bearing member 12 also has a transparent annular circumferential band 14 located radially outwardly of the arcuate symbols upon which a plurality of coated indicia 140 concentrically arranged with respect to the shaft 15. Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that a photographic lens 17 is positioned closely adjacent the lower surface of the disc 11 and is disposed below the circumferentially arranged symbols 13. Therefore as the shaft 15 is revolved, the symbols 13 are continuously moved over the lens 17.

The lens 17 is mounted in a suitable lens support or platform 18 and the lens support is mounted for vertical shifting movement with respect to supporting posts 19. A parallel iris mechanism 0 is positioned below and in predetermined which slidably mount an iris element 22 therein. The iris element 22 cooperates with the body of the iris mechanism to define an opening 23 which is of variable size. The iris mechanism serves to eclipse the image.

In this regard, the iris element 22 has an arm 24 pivotally connected thereto, the arm being connected to the shaft 25 whose longitudinal axis is disposed in substantially parallel relation with respect to the shaft 15. The shaft 25 has a cam lever 26 secured to its upper end and the cam lever also has a cam roller 27 revolvably on its other end. The cam roller 27 11 is eccentrically mounted with respect to the shaft 15, the cam lever 26 will be shifted during revolving movement of the disc to thereby shift the iris element 22 and vary the size of the opening 23. In this regard, it is is increased when the cap letters and the larger lower case letters are moved over the lens 17, while the converse is true when the smaller case letters are moved over the lens 17.

A film holder or a magazine 29 having an upwardly facing opening 30 is positioned below the iris mechanism and the fixed, the distance between the iris mechanism and lens is variable.

Means are also provided for moving the strip of film F and this means comprises a suitable film-engaging ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a pair of ratchets mounted on a shaft 31 whose teeth engage in the openings formed longitudinally of the film strip F to move the film in response to triggering of the light source in a manner to be described more fully hereinbelow.

Means are also provided for shifting the entire film holder or magazine 29 vertically relative to the lens 17 and to this end, the film holder may be provided with a rack 32 afiixed to the exterior which engages a pinion or gear 33 affixed to a shaft 34. The shaft 34 may be provided with a manually operable adjustment wheel 35 which may be manipulated by user. It

positioned so that the light passes through a symbol 13 positioned therebelow through the lens 17, the opening 23, and the opening 30 so that the film F is exposed to the image of a symbol 13. The strobe unit 36 is adapted to be triggered selectively during movement of the disc 11 so that the symbols may be constantly photographed upon the film strip F during movement of the disc.

Means are therefore provided for controlling operation of the strobe unit and this means includes a keyboard 37 having a plurality of conventional keys typical of those used on typewriters and similar machines. In the embodiment shown, the keys have been designated respectively 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45. Each key controls operation of a pair of microswitches as best seen in the electrical schematic diagram of FIG. 2. Thus, key 39 controls operation of microswitches 39a and 39b; key 40 controls microswitches 40a and 40b; key 41 controls microswitches 41a and 41b; key 42 controls microswitches 42a and 42b; key 43 controls microswitches 43a and 43b; key 44 controls microswitches 44a and 44b; and

key 45 controls microswitch 45a. It will be noted that microswitches 39a, 39b, 40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, and 45a, are all single-pole double-throw switches while switches 40b, 41b, 42b, 43b, and 44b, are single-throw switches and are merely shiftable between open and closed positions. An electrical conductor 46 interconnects one contact of the switches 39b, 40b, 41b, 42b, 43b, and 44b to a source of electric current and a rectifier 47 may be provided since the sensors and electronic relay require DC current for operating the same.

A multiphotocell sensor mechanism 48 is provided, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the multigroup of photocells or photo responsive switches are positioned closely adjacent but below the disc 11 so that the marginal band 14 of the indicia bearing member 12 passes thereover. A light unit 49 is positioned above the disc 11 whereby light generated thereby will be directed downwardly to the group of photo cells positioned therebelow. Suitable electrical conductors 50 interconnect the light unit 49 to a source of direct current.

Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the sensor mechanism includes the photoelectric cells or photo responsive switches 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58. It will also be seen that an electrical conductor 59 is interconnected with the photo cells. The circuit which interconnects the photo cells in serial also includes the micro switches 39a, 40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, and 45a, respectively. It will also be noted that the photo cells are interconnected and parallel to the switches 39b, 40b, 41b, 42b, 43b and 44b respectively.

It is pointed out that photo cells 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57 are disposed below the circumferentially arranged radially spaced-apart tracks of coded indicia 140. Thus each photocells is positioned below one of the circumferentially arranged patterns or tracks of indicia so that the track constantly moves over a particular photo cell. Thus when a dot or indicium of one of the circumferentially arranged patterns or tracks passes over one of the photo cells 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 or 57, then the opaque dot obstructs light from the light unit 49 to the particular photo cell thus causing the normally closed switch comprising the photo cell to be opened. Control of the circuit including the photo electric cells also involves operation of the keyboard 37. Therefore keys 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 respectively are operatively associated with photo cells 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58 respectively. The key 39 is depressed to photograph capital letters in conjunction with operation of the other keys. The photocell 51 is therefore a sensor for the circuit involving capital letters and the photocell 58 is a sensor for the circuit ofthe lower case letters.

A normally opened electronic relay switch mechanism 60 is connected by an electrical conductor 61 to the photo electric cell 58. An electrical conductor 62 is interconnected to one of the contacts of each of the microswitches 39a, 40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a and this electrical conductor 42 is also connected to the electrical conductor 61. An electrical conductor 62 interconnects one contact of microswitch 45a to one contact of a normally closed electronic relay switch mechanism 63. It is pointed out that the photo electric cells normally read on decay and interrupt the flow of current to the normally open relay causing it to close and fire the strobe unit.

The other contact of the electronic relay switch mechanism 63 is connected to an electrical conductor 64 which in turn is connected to an electrical conductor 65 that is a return line to the source of electrical current. An electrical conductor 66 interconnects one contact of the normally open electronic relay switch mechanism 60 to the strobe unit 36 while an electrical conductor 67 interconnects one contact of the normally closed electronic relay switch mechanism 63 to the strobe unit.

It is pointed out that the electronic relay switch mechanism 63 operates slightly faster than the switch mechanism 60 so that the normally closed relay switch will open and prevent an impulse from firing the strobe unit. During operation of the photo-setting device, before the keys of the keyboard are depressed, all of the microswitches 39a, 40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a will be in the position of switch 39a and will be connected in series. Similarly, the microswitches 39b, 40b, 41b, 42b, 43b, and 44b will be in position of switch 39b. The circuit to the strobe unit 36 will therefore be open and the strobe unit cannot be fired or flashed. The disc 11 will be revolving and the coded indicia will be moved over the photocells of the sensor mechanism.

An operator may then operate the keyboard so that the letters, numbers and the like may be photographed upon the film strip F. In the circuit diagram of FIG 2, the keys 41 and 43 have been depressed thus shifting microswitches 41a and 41b to the position shown, as well as the microswitches 43a and 43b to the position shown. By depressing a key or keys, the selected sensors are interconnected in parallel and are also connected with the normally open relay. The nonselected sensors remain interconnected in series. When any dot or indicia passes over a sensor, relay switch mechanism 63 is opened. Therefore when the indicia which has been selected by the depression of these keys passes over the particular cells 53 and 55, the photo responsive switch thereof will be closed thereby energizing the switch 60 to close the same and since the switch 63 is normally closed, the strobe unit will be fired or flashed. It is pointed out that the photo responsive or photoelectric cells normally read on decay and interrupt the flow of current to the normally open relay causing it to close and fire the strobe unit. Thus if the corresponding indicia is then selected by the keyboard, the circuit to the strobe unit 36 will be energized thus allowing the strobe unit to be flashed. lt is pointed out the corresponding symbol for the selected indicia will be positioned below the strobe unit when the circuit to the strobe unit is energized. Thus the selected letter or other symbol will be photographed upon the film strip F when this occurs. With this particular arrangement, an operator may selectively photograph letters, numbers, and other symbols so that the apparatus is especially adapted for use in the printing and graphic arts industries. It is also pointed out that since the normally closed relay switch 63 operates slightly faster than the switch 60, the switch 63 will open to prevent an impulse from firing the strobe unit in the event that the nonselected sensor is deenergized. In the embodiment shown, the symbols are arranged apart from their associated indicia code. As an alternative, the indicia and corresponding symbols may be arranged apart. It is also pointed out that the keyboard may be operated by means of a computer system if desired. When the strobe unit is fired, a solenoid S is energized thus rotating shaft 31 of the ratchet mechanism. This advances the film strip F in response to firing the strobe unit. Specifically a photocell (not shown) is positioned to receive the strobe flash to operate the solenoid S.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that l have provided a novel photo-setting device which is especially adapted for use in photo-setting for printing and graphic arts operation.

It will further been seen that l have provided a novel photosetting device, which is not only of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which functions more efficiently than any heretofore comparable device.

lt will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. A photo-setting device comprising,

a substantially circular supporting disc, means mounting said disc for eccentric revolving movement,

a substantially circular indicia bearing member mounted on said disc concentrically of the axis of rotation of said disc, said indicia bearing member having a plurality of spaced apart symbols therein adjacent the outer periphery thereof and arranged in a circular pattern, a plurality of light obstructing indicia on said indicia bearing member arranged in a plurality of radially spaced apart circular patterns adjacent but spaced from said symbols,

means for revolving said disc,

a pjhotographic lens positioned adjacent one surface of said 18, a film holder adjacent said lens for positioning a film strip in position to receive a photographic image from said lens, an instantaneous flashing electronic light-generating mechanism adjacent the other surface of said disc and axially aligned with said lens, said electronic light-generating mechanism when flashed exposing the film strip to an image of a symbol positioned below the light generating mechanism,

circuit means connected to a source of electric current and including said electronic light-generating mechanism,

means for moving the film strip in response to energizing and flashing of said electronic light-generating mechanism whereby the film strip is moved between consecutive indicia exposure,

control means for controlling said circuit means including a plurality of normally open photo responsive switches adjacent one surface of said disc, a source of light adjacent the other surface of said disc, each circular pattern of indicia on the indicia bearing member being disposed in obstructing relation between the light source and one of said photo responsive switches whereby a photo responsive switch will be closed when light thereto is obstructed by an indicium,

a key board including a plurality of shiftable keys shiftable between elevated and depressed positions, a plurality of key switch mechanisms in said circuit means and each being controlled by one of said keys, each key switch mechanism being interposed in the circuit of one of said photo responsive switches whereby when a selected key is depressed and a corresponding photo responsive switch is closed the light-generating mechanism will be flashed as said disc is revolved to thereby photograph a selected 'symbol on said film strip.

2. The photo-setting device as defined in claim 1 and a shutter mechanism interposed between said lens and said film holder, said shutter mechanism having an adjustable opening therein, and means engaging said disc for varying the size of said opening in the shutter mechanism.

* t t l 0' 

1. A photo-setting device comprising, a substantially circular supporting disc, means mounting said disc for eccentric revolving movement, a substantially circular indicia bearing member mounted on said disc concentrically of the axis of rotation of said disc, said indicia bearing member having a plurality of spaced apart symbols therein adjacent the outer periphery thereof and arranged in a circular pattern, a plurality of light obstructing indicia on said indicia bearing member arranged in a plurality of radially spaced apart circular patterns adjacent but spaced from said symbols, means for revolving said disc, a photographic lens positioned adjacent one surface of said disc, a film holder adjacent said lens for positioning a film strip in position to receive a photographic image from said lens, an instantaneous flashing electronic light-generating mechanism adjacent the other surface of said disc and axially aligned with said lens, said electronic light-generating mechanism when flashed exposing the film strip to an image of a symbol positioned below the light generating mechanism, circuit means connected to a source of electric current and including said electronic light-generating mechanism, means for moving the film strip in response to energizing and flashing of said electronic light-generating mechanism whereby the film strip is moved between consecutive indicia exposure, control means for controlling said circuit means including a plurality of normally open photo responsive switches adjacent one surface of said disc, a source of light adjacent the other surface of said disc, each circular pattern of indicia on the indicia bearing member being disposed in obstructing relation between the light source and one of said photo responsive switches whereby a photo responsive switch will be closed when light thereto is obstructed by an indicium, a key board including a plurality of shiftable keys shiftable between elevated and depressed positions, a plurality of key switch mechanisms in said circuit means and each being controlled by one of said keys, each key switch mechanism being interposed in the circuit of one of said photo responsive switches whereby when a selected key is depressed and a corresponding photo responsivE switch is closed the lightgenerating mechanism will be flashed as said disc is revolved to thereby photograph a selected symbol on said film strip.
 2. The photo-setting device as defined in claim 1 and a shutter mechanism interposed between said lens and said film holder, said shutter mechanism having an adjustable opening therein, and means engaging said disc for varying the size of said opening in the shutter mechanism. 